The Clemens Effect

Will signing Roger Clemens have a positive effect for a contender? 2K Sports simulates the surprising results.

By Jon Robinson

You'd think signing a playoff-proven pitcher to a contender would bolster anyone's rotation, even if he is asking for $4 million a month.

But what really happens when the high-priced rent-a-pitcher signs up for direct deposit at your team's expense?

2K Sports simulated the signing and the results of the season using MLB 2K7, factoring Clemens into the rotation of his potential suitors, the Red Sox, Yankees, and Astros (after the All-Star break, of course, because who wants to pitch a whole season).

The results are enough to make even George Steinbrenner close his wallet.

New York Yankees

87 IP 6-4 record 1.49 WHIP 70 SO's 5.08 ERA .271 BAA

Yankees go 96-67 but lose in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.